Instant observations: NC State drops tight one vs. Virginia Tech

Since the 2020 campaign, NC State has been among the nation's leaders in playing in one-score games with 35 such appearances entering its Week 5 clash with Virginia Tech. While the Wolfpack owned the most one-score victories over that stretch with 20 in the past five seasons, it was put to the test against the Hokies -- a team that was 1-12 in such games under coach Brent Pry, who was fired two weeks ago. And, well, it didn't go the Wolfpack's way. NC State lost to Virginia Tech 23-21 on Saturday night at Carter-Finley Stadium, the Wolfpack's second straight defeat -- and its first one-score loss (it was 2-0) -- of the campaign. Sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey was 26-for-34 passing for 240 yards with two touchdowns, while he was also sacked five times. Redshirt sophomore running back Hollywood Smothers, meanwhile, compiled 67 yards on 16 attempts to pace the Wolfpack's rushing attack. Senior tight end Justin Joly led the Pack's pass catchers with five receptions for 58 yards.